Milwaukie police chase ends in slew of charges

Two different citizens called 911 at about 11 a.m. Thursday to report a driver of a silver-colored, Mitsubishi Galant with Utah license plates "cutting cookies" and making U-turns in the middle of Highway 224 near 37th Avenue in Milwaukie.

When police tried to initiate a traffic stop April 17, the driver would not stop. A slow-speed pursuit ensued, until officers were able to box-in the car near Washington Street and 23rd Avenue downtown near Milwaukie High School. The school was notified of the activity, but the incident was resolved quickly and did not cause a lock-down situation.

Police said the driver, 24-year-old Josie Marie Worrall from Milwaukie, resisted arrest but was subsequently taken into custody. The passenger, identified as 33-year-old Sorin Nita, was also taken into custody. Both appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant and were transported to local hospitals for medical observation.

Worrall also was charged with reckless driving, recklessly endangering, attempt to elude and interfering with a police officer. Worrall was later lodged at the Clackamas County Jail on a $37,500 bail.

Nita was cited and released on charges of interfering with a police officer and resisting arrest.

Police are asking for the public's help in locating a medium-size dog described as similar to a salt-and-pepper colored blue heeler/border collie mix that escaped from the suspect's car. Police have not been able to locate the frightened pet.